HealthIER is a transdisciplinary think tank initiative at Northern Illinois University designed to bring together a diverse group of thinkers, researchers, and practitioners from various disciplines within and beyond the health sciences.

This collaborative forum explores research and innovation to address complex health challenges, fostering collaboration and cross-pollination of ideas.

HealthIER is a vibrant community of innovators committed to making a tangible impact on the future of healthcare. Through these interdisciplinary think tank sessions, faculty, staff, and students at Northern Illinois University aim to nurture a fertile environment for impactful research, sustainable solutions, and the development of forward-thinking healthcare entrepreneurs.

What we do

In AY2425 we are launching the think tank focusing on funding mechanisms from the National Institutes of Health (NIH)
called the R15 /R16.

One reason that these mechanisms are well suited to HealthIER goals is because NIH prioritizes projects that use innovative approaches to address critical barriers to progress in health research.

Another reason these mechanisms are well suited to HealthIER goals is that the R15/R16 are designed for universities like NIU that have not received substantial NIH funding in the past yet are poised to grow.

These mechanisms aim to build research capacity, enhance faculty advancement, and engage students in the health research enterprise at these universities.